To kick off their study of Birkot HaShachar, JEC Lower School second graders recently enjoyed a morning of inspiration, creativity, gratitude and deliciousness.

They were treated to a sweet breakfast, upon tables that had been thoughtfully set, complete with decorative runners, by faculty. As they ate assorted cereals and colorful donuts, students listened to interactive words of chizuk and inspiration by RTMA mashgiach ruchani and rav of Congregation Israel in Springfield, Rabbi Chaim Marcus, who masterfully relayed stories of the power of tefillah that comes from the heart.

Following his address, students participated in a crafts project, which had them decorating their very own netilat yadayim cups to bring home.